#he probably has a lot of bad dreams and anxiety because of his job as a devil hunter

[meownotgood]

since aki is so tall i feel like he’d be good at cuddling, i just want him to be my big spoon y’know

big spoon aki..... big.... spoon.... aki............

his tall frame curled around yours... long legs tangled with your own under the sheets... his arm slung over you and his hand intertwined with yours... his chest is pressed to your back so you can feel the gentle thump of his heartbeat. you can tell each time his chest expands and contracts, and you can hear the sound of his deep breathing in your ear, you can feel his warm breath on the back of your neck.

the way that aki would fall asleep so so deeply... snoring quietly in his sleep... holding you so tightly... you wouldn't even be able to move, it'd be so snug. if you need to get up in the middle of the night to get water or use the bathroom you'll have to shake him awake first lolol

[pyrpaw]

Can i have uhhh first year gang visiting yuu in their world? Thank youu

hell yeah you can have that 🙏 I did a little intro to the situation, and then some head cannons

(contents: might be a but ooc because I imagine they'd be pretty happy to see you again after you disappeared without saying bye, (name) is mentioned to go to school and have a job, their age isn't mentioned but they are implied to live alone(for plot reasons<3))

How did... you get here?

(I had no gif ideas)

You thought you were crazy, you got transported into some place called "Twisted wonderland" and then, you randomly got back home! and seemingly no time had passed, was it just an elaborate dream?... you had no clue, but you had to continue your life like normal. So, going back to school, your job, all of that, left with no one to rant to about how you missed your friends from Twisted wonderland... because are they even real?

Turns out, they were real! because at 2 in the morning you were doing your homework and heard banging and talking from another room, it sounded like multiple voices so you quickly tried to find your phone... only to realize it's downstairs. So, grabbing a hammer in your room you silently made your way outside your room and as silently as you could, downstairs. You heard the voices growing closer and closer, your anxiety peaked as you held your breath and froze, panic filling you as when one of the figures was about to round the corner. Once you saw a foot step out you immediately stood up and lifted the hammer up in a panic, ready to strike down.

And once your hands were already going down you met eyes with a familiar green haired fae who flinched as his head was struck with a hammer. You two stared at each other in shock and confusion, as the other first years came over to see what happened, everyone's eyes widened when they saw you... and the hammer that connected with Sebek's head.

"... Sebek?" You spoke in a quiet voice, slowly pulling the hammer back down as you stared at him. He silently nodded as the others stared at you in awe. You couldn't comprehend any words, before getting tackled into a hug from Ace as he buried his face into your neck and spoke with a shaky voice. "... I thought I'd never see you again.." and before you could even reply, Deuce came up and tightly hugged you too. "... you didn't say bye to anyone" he mumbled as he pulled back and stared at you with teary eyes.

So, after a whole lot of reunions, the boys explained that they didn't know how they got there, or how to get back, so obviously they're allowed to stay with you.

Ace Trappola

He's definitely gonna make fun of your decor, your clothes, basically anything... even though hes gonna steal your T-shirts even after they all got their own clothes

If you're not constantly going out with friends or talking to them he's gonna bully you about being a loser, however if you are constantly talking to friends, he's gonna complain that you're not giving them enough attention and you're being a bad host (even though he really only means that he wants more attention)

Deuce Spade

He won't automatically think about getting a job, but if he hears that you're struggling with paying for all of them then he'll find some kind of job and complain about it 24/7, especially because it'll probably be in customer service due to his age and having no records of anything

Unlike Ace, Deuce automatically starts to help you with funds, he'll probably find a customer service job, maybe even two

Jack Howl

He'll probably get a good reputation with your neighbors, always offering them any help, and usually being gifted something, whether it be muffins or just money

I think that he would kinda just stay home mostly, really only going out with you where he can follow you like a lost puppy (only because he doesn't know this world like you!)

also-he totally takes note of what decor, music, and clothes you like even more now, so that he has ideas for a potential gift and or way to bond with you

Epel Felmier

So... he kinda had to be... barricaded in a way, until you could find a proper hat to cover his ears, he couldn't leave... because some preteen will bark at him

Once he can leave the house though, he immediately gets a job... and spends a bit of the money on a gym membership (also, if you go to the gym he is hyped, he's following you around it the whole time totally not trying to show off his strength)

I think he'd honestly get a job at a gym, maybe a personal trainer even

He basically took up the chore of grocery shopping, like he meal preps and all, it's mainly just veggies and meat that he buys

Sebek Zigvolt

He's thrilled to finally be away from Vil and Rook, now he can actually be himself! His stupid dirty jokes and overall roughness has definitely amped up now that he knows Vil won't find out

He couldn't really find a job due to having no proof that he wasn't a girl, but like Deuce he takes up jobs from your neighbors, getting some cash here and there

He also usually goes on grocery trips with Jack, with Jack getting healthy food, and Epel begging him to get at least a few junk food items, plus he's great at picking out what fruit and veggies are the best

Ortho Shroud

Hes definitely having a hard time with the whole... all humans... no magic thing, to the point that he kept accidentally using his magic in public and got house arrest by you, leaving Ortho to make sure he didn't leave

He's still allowed to go out with supervision though, and anytime you go out to town with him he basically acts as a body guard, glaring at anyone would date approach you

He was given the task of cooking, because he obviously had to learn so he didn't have to eat Lilia's cooking, so him and Jack discuss meek plans for the week/month

He's also like a guard dog when he's outside just in the yard, he's keeping coyotes away, Bobcats, bears, any predator, he's keeping it away with no doubt

Grim

Much like Jack, he couldn't leave the house due to being a robot, technically he could leave and would just get some weird glances for having a "cosplay" on, but he decided to stay back and keep Grim company... and watch Sebek

Whenever he gets bored he'll rummage through the house and find old objects that you clearly don't use anymore... and somehow end up upgrading any technology in this house?? like you came home and suddenly your laptop had the power of a damn PC

He'll also go around when he's bored and clean up for you, putting things away, sweeping, mopping, everything, he's very considerate!

now.... Grim obviously can't leave, he has fire ears! So he's pretty pouty, but after you got him a few toys and a tablet (iPad baby I'm sorey), he calmed down, but he's still not happy!

There are a few acres of forest nearby, so sometimes he'll sneak out there with Ortho to get some outdoors time, but he's almost gotten caught a few times, each time getting scolded by you or Jack

He's secretly very happy to be able to sleep on top of his henchmen again, hes always clinging onto you now, after having the biggest scare of the one person he considered "family" randomly disappearing and leaving him all alone!

[stardew-shitposterino]

The Bachelors and how they’d react if you asked them to start a family

Same old same old. This post is inspired by @babiebom 's post about the bachelor/ettes and how many kids they’d have :3 I’m not really a person who is too keen on children and being a housewife, but I can’t deny that the thought of a picture perfect family does warm my heart, girlies. Enjoy 💅🏻🍼

Some answers are gender specific. I hope to anyone playing the game as a same sex couple that you can look past that 🙏🏻

Sam:

-he’d be boots the house down in total shock

-don’t get it twisted, he is ecstatic, but damn he didn’t expect it to be this soon

-of course he is excited about every life stage of his potential little ones, but he can’t wait to have someone he can teach how to skate

-„really? A-and you’re not joking or anything? RAD!“

-maybe he is a bit too excited as he‘s definitely ripping his pants off his body as soon as the message sunk in

-„Oh you didn’t mean we should start it right now? Sorry my bad 😅“

Sebastian:

-he is happy but can’t really show it

-anxiety is kicking hard rn

-it’s not that he doesn’t want this, but he has so many worries, after all he had lived through himself

-he definitely needs some time to think about this

-„Y/N, I’d really love to have this with you one day, but please give me time to adjust to this. It’s a lot for me to process.“

-he will eventually open up about it and you agree on not rushing things. If you’re an opposite sex couple, you agree on starting a family once you’re pregnant. No planning, just living and if it happens, it happens (it probably happened after like 2 months after you had the talk lol)

Elliott:

-„Heavens, Love! What wonderful news. I’ve been waiting for this moment. This will be the start of our legacy!“ (excuse me bruuuhh this is how I imagine him talk lol)

-he had heart-shaped eyes if you haven’t noticed

-as much as he loves the romance and allure of being a childless couple with a world to their feet, he can’t kick the idea of being a wholesome dad raising a curious child with his wonderful partner

-he emphasises on not rushing things as he doesn’t want you to feel pressure. He knows how stressful your job is so he doesn’t want you to feel overwhelmed though you proposed that idea first

-you can bet your ass you went to bed after that talk 👀 WHO SAID THAT 🤨

Harvey:

-he is a blushy mess thank you and amen

-he‘s so anxious but also so excited

-no way you actually proposed this to him. He actually accepted his fate as a childless bachelor

-but here he is, finally getting the happy little family he always wanted

-but it isn’t smooth sailing with him, oh no. You can bet your ass he has to calculate everything through before he feels comfortable enough starting to bring this wish to reality

-you know, you earn a shit ton of money but he is anxious ok. He needs to KNOW the child won’t end up homeless with nothing to wear once it’s here

-“Oh this is all so new and, I-I don’t even know how to say it without it sounding wrong. I just can’t grasp that this is happening. Pinch me so I know I’m not dreaming”

-you didn’t sleep with each other that day but a make-out sess was in it. A wholesome one to say the least. This man is wholesome in my books 📕

Shane:

-the only thing missing here is that he fainted and fell to the floor after you popped the question

-say WHAT NOW?!

-no way. He probably heard it wrong. You didn’t just ask HIM to have YOUR children… no wait the other way around. This is what that question did to his brain lol

-or generally having kids together. He isn’t opposed to adopting because he fears the kids will inherit his messed up brain so taking in kids that are in need of a nice, welcoming home doesn’t sound bad either

-but no wait wait back to the topic; he’s a MESS

-he always wanted children and a family in general, the very boring ass white picket fence fantasy is what he longed for but kind of accepted that it’s something he cannot have. Well guess what…HE CAN

-“wait…did you- and you mean with me? Or is there someone else I should know about? Ok sorry bad joke. But you mean it?! Really? A little sibling for Jas🥹”

-just know this burly man started crying a river of joy tears. But once the tears dried and it kicked in 👀

-“ok if we want this to work out we gotta get to business 😎”

Alex:

-like Shane, he waited for this moment

-just he isn’t anxious like some of the others, he straight up jumps for joy lol

-“BABE NO WAY! I’ve been waiting for this!”

-he is a happy crier tho. Expect him to cry a little but in a good way

-but also expect him to propose the question of having a lot more kids in the future. He wants a football team of kids. But the amount is still negotiable of course (you gave him the “spouse stare” which made him go down a notch lol)

- he will babble about what gender the first kid might be, what he’d do with them depending on it and how he’d get them the smallest grid ball jerseys you’ll ever see because “LOOK THEY ARE SO TINY”

-like some of the others, he might be a bit too eager to start the baby project. Even if you can’t conceive yourself, he will live out that fantasy. You prepared yourself for this because it was very much predictable lol

[jestersfinaljest]

Could you write for the wonderful, amazing, beautiful, silly Ace Trappola? Like him falling in love with a male reader who isn’t the prefect and is just a normal student and is totally in denial that he’s gay? (Sorry if that doesn’t make sense)

｡.｡:∞♡*♥ ︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶┊┊❁ཻུ۪۪♡ ͎. ｡˚ °

‘Okay, I’m man enough to admit when a guy is pretty, I mean, Pomefiore guys have some pretty guys, I am confident in my sexuality to admit that!’ Is what Ace kept telling himself. He had quite literally bumped into a student, just a student from another dorm, just a normal student. A totally normal student who had made his heart pound in his chest. Ever since that encounter, Ace has been out of it, making up excuses in his head, saying things to himself like, “I’m not gay, I can’t be.” or “My heart was beating like that for different reasons!” But deep down, he knew he couldn’t deny it.

The student he had bumped into had very little thoughts about the ‘incident’, sure he thought about it a couple of times, seeing the ginger’s flushed face before he ran off, leaving him slightly confused with a newfound liking. He just stood there after the ginger ran away, questioning a little bit, but nothing he wouldn’t lose sleep over.

Ace, on the other hand, lost tons of sleep, waking up from dreams of kissing or cuddling with the student. 'I don't even know his name! And now I'm having dreams about him??? This is crazy, this didn't even happen with my girlfriend in middle school!!' The more he kept denying that he may have a thing for the student he bumped into, the more the student was on his mind. He had seen him around NRC, just peacefully walking around or chatting with a friend, and every time he did he made a beeline to the opposite direction of him. Now come on, Ace thought he did a good job keeping his little problem under wraps, but it's Ace we're talking about. The ginger got distracted during so many basketball practices that it got the attention of Jamil and Floyd. They didn't bring it up, yet, but time will tell when they would. Deuce and the Prefect had brought it up though.

"I'm just saying, you seem to be pretty distracted lately, we're just concerned is all." The Prefect had told him, Deuce standing next to them nodding full heartily. "Yeah, so what's got you like this? It's weird hanging out with you when you're not so loud and annoying." His arms were crossed over his chest, continuously nodding like he was only saying good things. Grim was too distracted with eating a can of tuna Prefect had bought him from Sam's store to even care what the topic of the conversation was about.

"I'm fine! It's just.." Ace felt hesitant to tell them about the feelings he had so desperately wanted to leave. He wasn't sure how they'd take it, I mean, in an all-boys school? What if they get disgusted by him and think he's weird or gross? These are concerns he'd never think he'd have to think about. "I think I might like the guy I bumped into a week ago, okay??! And I've been stressing with these feelings because I just can't be gay, can I??" Ace felt a weight being lifted off his heart, and then a heavier one dropped down. His heart pounded with anxiety and fear at their reaction.

"Well, why not? Being gay is normal. It's not necessarily a bad thing, you know." Prefect had said something first, shrugging their shoulders. "There's probably a lot of gay people in NRC, I already have a couple of suspicions..." They trailed off, looking away to the side. Deuce, once again, nodded in agreement before stopping himself. "Yeah, that's right--What, uhh, no. Not that last part, uhm, anyway...What me and Prefect mean is that we don't mind who you like because, at the end of the day, you're still our friend!"

A truly lovely and heartwarming scene for Ace, who was given love, support, and confidence to talk to the student! After sorting out his feelings and emotions, he went out and walked around campus for a bit, searching for the student. Around ten minutes passed and he finally found him, sitting on a bench in the courtyard, on his phone. He summoned all of his courage and sat down next to him, his leg starting to bounce out of nervousness. The student had heard someone sit next to him, and by Seven, did Ace feel something when the student clearly brightened up seeing his face.

"Oh, hey! It's you, the guy who bumped into me and then ran away!" He chuckled lightly and turned his head to face Ace, who was feeling extremely jittery and suddenly a bit aware. "Ah, yeah, uhm, I'm sorry about that...I just wanted to apologize for that. I'm Ace Trappola, freshman." The student nodded, "Apologize accepted. [Name]'s the name, also freshmen." Ace felt his heart skip a beat, he finally knew his name. They both stayed silent for a while, too awkward to say anything, maybe.

After a moment or two, one of them finally spoke up, neither of them knew who said it at the time, but one of the two knuckleheads blurted out,

"I think you're pretty cute...!"

Cue matching red faces and a pair of freshmen with no clue what to do now.

______________________________________________________________

a/n: i am so sorry if this is not what you wanted, i usually work better when i have thorough details, since i always want to give the reader exactly what they want so...but thank you for requesting!! this is my first time writing for someone who isnt a friend.

[borahaerhy]

Dealer (7) - myg

Summary: Your boyfriend seemed like a dream come true: always wanting to be around you, making sure you would get home safe, never taking his hands off you. These little comforts became your whole world, and then the only thing you were allowed to have left in the world. Luckily, your boyfriends drug dealer turned out to be a much nicer guy.

Pairing: DrugDealer!Yoongi x Female!Reader

Genre: Mafia/drug kingpin au, Y/N coming from nothing, found family, Eventual smut

Warnings: Mentions of domestic violence, some guns are pointed at some people's heads, Jimin discovers the truth

Word count: 1.4k (obscenely short I know, I just couldn't make it flow the way I wanted to. Next chapter will be longer!)

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Note: If you are sensitive or triggered by abusive relationships or manipulation in any way, please do not read this fic, it can be very triggering. It will also be referenced that Y/n used to self harm, and has self-harm scars. This is fic is going to cover a lot of intense topics, and there will be a lot of drugs.

“Jimin?” You lowered the gun the gun to your side before dropping it completely, a small relieved smile encompassing your exhausted features. 

Jimin's eyes became small crescents as his smile took over him. He was probably just as tired as you were, heavy dark bags under puffy eyes, a gentle aching consuming his entire body from trying to find you, and having to climb trees and go through a maze to do so. 

You were both so relieved in that moment; you to see that the only hitman to find you was Jimin: the one person you knew would help you; and he was relieved to see you alive and uninjured. he didn't know what to expect upon finding you, he'd never come face to face with someone who'd met Seokjin and lived to tell the tale.

Then again, Jimin didn't know many good people.

He stood up quickly, ignoring his aching body as he rose to his feet, arms extended as he quickly wrapped them around you. You practically fell into his embrace, the familiarity of him in a world where everything was new brought you more comfort than you'd felt in months.

"Y/n, Jesus, I thought you'd be dead, what the hell happened?" Jimin let go of you only for his hands to meet your cheeks, his eyes scanning your face lightly before he hugged you again.

"Zeke happened, Jimin," Your answer was hesitant, dripping with anxiety, your small voice sounding weak and fearful as Jimin took a step back from you as he eyed you. He knew Zeke to be a pretty shitty person, but he still couldn't quite grasp how bad Zeke could've gotten to make you leave; especially with how you left. 

"What do you mean, what did he do?" He let go of you and looked at you, his brow furrowed and eyes concerned. You gulped and looked down, hands fidgeting as your heart began beating faster.

Just take a deep breath, you thought. It's only Jimin, he wants to help

"Well for starters, I stopped being allowed to have a phone after I met you," You paused, gaining the courage to speak a little bit more. "Zeke said I was being too flirtatious, and shouldn't be allowed to have a phone anymore."

Jimin ran his hands through his hair, turning away from you to face the wall before he turned back to you, waiting, begging for you to continue, to say something that made sense.

"I wasn't allowed to have friends, he stopped buying weed from the same guy he'd been buying from for years because I considered him a friend. I wasn't allowed to have a job, or leave the house, or talk to my family,"

"No, that's not-" Jimin voice was low, his eyes never reaching yours he was in so much disbelief.

"He hit me, Jimin," You cut him off, knowing if you didn't say it now, you probably never would.

He froze where he stood. His hands freezing in place where the were running through his hair, his posture remained slightly hunched over for a second, your words ringing heavily in his ears as he slowly moved to look at you.

One look was all it took.

Time almost seemed to stand still as he looked into your watering eyes, his own eyes mimicking yours. In that split second, Jimin’s entire world view completely turned around. He looked at you and only saw the pain that Zeke had caused instead of the light that he'd remembered you for. 

And in that split second he knew he’d rather betray his entire family, leave the only life he’d ever known than ever even attempt to bring you back to the man he’d grown up with. 

Seconds after you confession, before the full weight of it was even able to fully settle in, the door that you'd been shoved through almost 20 minutes ago burst open.

Yoongi's eyes immediately fell to Jimin, and his gun's sight didn't take very long to match his own, his arm raising as he stepped forward, the chamber pointed directly at Jimin’s forehead.

Until you stepped in between them.

The cold metal of the gun met your skin as you stood between the two men that wanted nothing more than to keep you safe. Yoongi froze, his eyes widening as all the color drained from his face; and he didn't dare move.

Everyone's eyes were wide and no one dared to move a muscle, Jimin behind you, Yoongi in front, and Jungkook standing in the door, his gun aimed at the ground; and they were all watching you, waiting to see what the hell you were doing.

"He's on my side, he's not going to hurt me or try to take me, I promise," Your words were calm and clear as Yoongi just kept looking at you, his eyes occasionally darting back to the man you stood in front of. "Just put the gun down, then we can talk.” 

Yoongi took one more hard look at Jimin before he sighed and lowered his gun, moving slowly and carefully as he did to avoid accidentally hurting you.

Everyone took a deep breath, taking a step back before everyone’s eyes fell to you expectantly. 

"Jimin is Zeke's cousin, He's the only member of Zeke's family I ever really met and got to know. I didn't get to tell him much, but I told him enough; he's not going to try anything,"

Yoongi looked back and forth between the two of you, clearly trying to think of a way to make this easier, which wasn't exactly easy considering you wouldn't let him kill the hitman.

"I-" Jimin tried to speak. 

"Shut up," Yoongi snapped before he turned to Jungkook. "What should we do?" Yoongi stepped over toward the door and kept his voice down, trying not to seem completely lost.

Jungkook sighed as he looked down at his watch, knowing whatever they were going to do, they had to do it fast.

"What’s the holdup?” Jin, who wasn’t even near the room just a second prior, was now standing at the doorway with Jungkook and Yoongi, Hoseok a few feet behind him warily scanning the hallway. “Who the fuck is that?"

Everyone turned to look at Jimin, who was still too busy trying to wrap his head around what you’d told him to fully grasp that Kim Sokjin was standing right in front of him. 

This time you couldn't step in front of the gun before it met Jimin's forehead, Yoongi pulled you back to ensure you weren't caught in the crosshairs, but Jin took notice to your attempts to stop him from shooting him, so he decided to hold off on pulling the trigger.

"Y/n, how do you know this man?" Yoongi still had a firm grip on your arm, not firm enough to hurt but definitely tight enough to make sure you weren't going to go get yourself shot.

"He’s here to help me-” 

"His name is Jay Park, he's the son of the man in charge. He's here to kill all of us and take you back to Zeke, why shouldn't I put a bullet in his head?" Jin's eyes stayed locked with Jimin's the entire time he spoke, though his question was directed at you.

"He's-"

"You shouldn't put a bullet in my head because I know more about the enemy than you do, Mr. Kim." Jimin paused, his confidence taking everyone back a second, no one expecting him to have the guts to say anything. "I know exactly how they are going to track you, how they plan on getting her back, and the lengths they're willing to go to in order to ensure that happens,"

Jimin very slowly raised his hand up to his ear, pulling out the earpiece and throwing it to the ground before crunching it under his boot. He then removed a phonw from one of his pants pockets and did the same.

"They can no longer track me. Feel free to search me for anything else that you feel I might be trying to hide, but you need to know that my intentions beyond this point are to keep her safe."

Everyone stared at one another, too scared to move from their spots as they tried to keep the men from killing each other. Jin smirks lightly before he lowers his gun. He pulls Jimin's arm and pushes him toward Jungkook.

"Make sure there's nothing on him, we've gotta move now," 

-

Note: I know I said I'd have this uploaded literal weeks ago, and it was completely written revised then, I just didn't think it was long enough and couldn't figure out how to seamlessly flow into the next scene, so this is a very short single-scene chapter, and for that I apologize.

The next chapter will be longer, that I will promise, but I don't know when that'll be up. My mental state is not the most groovy presently, so my motivation for writing is generally non-existant for the most part.

I love you guys, I'm finishing all the fics I've started, you'll just have to be patient with me :))) thank you all so much for being so understanding, I'll appreciate it endlessly.

Taglist: @pamzn @fvcuidk @cybm1n @limiworld @scuzmunkie @hyunjingin @nellyboosworld @giselleg7784 @zaeve @lovelgirl22 @rosquilleta @kooliv @bangtannie7 @strawberryjimin13 @anjoellamorte @limitlessdespondency @lalaoise @roxy1205 @lavender-ivy @orangecarrotlemon @billy-jeans23  @jwlmnbt @artemis1862 @namjoonsbuspass @luaspersona @wittyreader @be0mluver  @acquiescence804 @dustyinkpages @namjoonsbuspass @damiiworld @cynicalbitch666 @rosiejunnie @dahliasbouqet @bxcndd

[bekyll]

My third piece for @gtgotcha4gaza for anonymous. Once again, I used my oc's for this. I hope you like it.

The prompt: Shapeshifter male x human. Shapeshifter male has been keeping his size-changing abilities a secret until he has a sudden and unexpected growth spurt right in front of his longtime crush. He’s super embarrassed and feels ashamed and monstrous, but his crush gives him all the hugs and comfort he needs until he’s able to return back to normal size. Potential confessions ensue

Raymond was not normal, and he knew it. Having lost a limb during an accident when he was younger, he always struggled to keep up with his siblings. Even though they were seemingly equal, he had a hard time keeping up with their wild ideas. It was the late 19th century, and the United States was not a place for people who were about to be left behind. So Raymond left the two people he had known his entire life, and left to find work suited for something like him.

It also did not help that he was abnormal in other ways. When he got nervous, which could happen a lot when traveling on the road, he had an uncontrolled ability to fight. This did not happen with a spike of adrenaline or the sudden loss of all rationality, but instead it translated in his entire body growing. When he had been younger, it had been only slightly, so he could loom over bullies and such. But as his anxiety increased, especially since he had spent a while alone in prison, he could grow up to 20 meters.

Moving closer to Mexico, he had the chance to start over. He made sure there was nothing to worry about, did his work as well as he could and did not speak about the past. Here, Raymond Kitzen was a new man. A young adult with a peach fuzz that worked in a small shop at a local ranch. He liked this much more than his former life, and although he missed his siblings, he knew it was all for the best.

Fernanda was the daughter of the ranch owner, with lovely, dark hair and light brown eyes that shone in the southern sun. Raymond knew how to talk with girls, but somehow, she was different. Perhaps it was a slight fear of revealing something about his past, admitting that he sometimes couldn't sleep because he dreamt of fire, smoke and towering over innocent people. Still, he fixed the purple handkerchief around his neck and put on a charming smile, secretly giving her candy from behind the counter. Fernanda, or Fern as she was often called, did not shy away. She was a busy girl, but sometimes they would sit and watch the horses like a dream. He was a bad rider, but it was an excuse to sit behind the woman and hold her, with her denim jeans and hat.

She was free and she looked wonderful when she was doing her job. Maybe Raymond was jealous of how easy it all seemed to her, but he would never voice his thoughts. There was no time for that here.

They were sitting alone beneath the shade of a tree. Raymond was puffing out smoke and handed a cigarette to Fern, who told him about her youth. Just small things they did together, even though he hardly told about his own past. He would tell about his siblings, how he missed them and how he wondered if they did the same.

“Of course they do. They probably love you. I know they do.”

Raymond was silent, and his heart began to skip a little faster. A sudden thought came through, and he was suddenly anxious about losing this, whatever they had, that lay unspoken in the middle. He should confess his feelings, or his past, but both could mean the end of things.

She would deserve honesty and he would deserve the release. He was tired of his insomnia only because he was worried that his past would catch up somehow. What if his siblings arrived at his door and, despite their best intentions, they could reveal everything he had tried to bury beneath earth and stone and grass.

“Mhm? Ray?” He heard. Raymond sat up, rubbing his neck.

“What? Sorry-”

“I asked what’s wrong. You're tense.”

“Am I? Oh..” Raymond looked at his hands, which were shaking. He could already feel the pain in his muscles and another wave of panic washed over him.

If this situation, the spiraling of his thoughts, wasn't bad enough, he also began to panic about containing said panic. Panic meant exposure, and that meant a whole lot of destruction. “Fern. I think- I need to go on a walk.” He stood up and took his hat. Walking around could be dangerous without protection.

“Wow, hey. Ray? What's the matter?” She sat up, only standing up when he began to walk away from her. She took him by the shoulder, but Raymond turned away.

“I'm fine. I just-” he could not even speak. He felt vulnerable, weak, defenseless. Before he knew it, he was walking backwards, tripped over a rock and fell. His cheeks were red, his hat had fallen on the ground.

Without the ability to run or hide, he could feel himself growing. It did not hurt, but his entire body began to tingle uncomfortably. He closed his eyes, afraid of light brown eyes that were afraid of him.

He could feel his legs touch the tree that was slowly becoming smaller. He hid his eyes behind his fingers. The horse began to trample the ground wildly and Fernanda was shushing it. He focused on that sound, and it almost calmed him down as well.

Then it stopped, and Raymond felt the sun burn on his scalp with his hat too small. He peeked between the fingers and looked for Fern, who stared up at him with an open mouth. He had never seen her so small before.

“Ray. You are giant.” She announced, dumbfounded.

Raymond groaned softly, but he didn't dare to stand up. It would only result in him looming over the area. He wanted to curl up and make himself small, but his heartrate was moving at a high speed.

“Holy shit.”

“I'm so sorry, Fern!” Raymond exclaimed with his eyes closed. “You shouldn't see me like this. No one should want something like me.”

“What are you talking about?” She sounded so far away.

“How am I ever able to fit in- how am I able to be myself when this happens at the worst times. I managed to be normal for almost a year, and now I fucked up.” He fought the urge to move a muscle, afraid to ruin more.

Suddenly, he could feel something touch his leg, exposed from his ripped clothes. At least he wasn't fully naked.

He didn’t dare look down, afraid of her. Dark, brown eyes. A deep frown.

“Raymond, hey, calm down.”

Raymond chuckled, because how could he? He was a monster.

“Stop thinking stupid thoughts.” It was as if Fern could read his mind. Raymond finally removed the hands from his face, looking down at her in surprise. “Let me tell you one thing before you speak- no! I said, don't open your mouth. Listen. Whatever is happening. It will be alright, but for now you need to calm down. Here.” Being the adventurous girl she had always been, she walked over to Raymond’s leg and began to climb it as if it was the most normal thing in the world. When she settled on his knee, She extended a hand, motioning him forward.

“Give me your palm, and lift me up.” She demanded.

Raymond did as she asked, unfamiliar with the feeling of something small and fragile in his hand. He was afraid he would drop her, but he brought her closer to his face as she commanded. When she was next to his cheek, she extended her arms and put them on his skin. A hug. It was a tiny hug. Her arms dug in his skin, and she rested her own cheek on his.

“There, there, my friend.” She said kindly. Raymond closed his eyes, and the feeling was so strange that he didn't dare to say a word.

“Now why are you crying?” Without him realizing, big tears rolled down his cheek. It was too hot for this, and he was too exposed. He couldn't wipe it away with only one arm.

Fern just sat back, smiling at him. Unafraid, as if this was okay.

“It fucking sucks.” Raymond said wetly. “It fucking sucks. I hate being here, I don't want to be big. Exposed.”

“I think it looks cute.”

“I look like a… monster.” He furrowed his brow, glancing at her, lowering her to the floor. “Fern, don't tease.”

With his hand free, he wiped away the tear. He wasn't even in a crying mood, but at least he was calming down.

“Hey, I wouldn't lie. God won't allow that, you know.” She took his finger and held it. “Now, mind telling me what this is about?”

Raymond clenched his jaw. “I just got nervous. It's... in my head.” He waved a hand in the air.

Fern was still holding him, relaxed. For a moment, Raymond forgot what he was.

“Actually, this is amazing. Imagine how easily you could herd the cattle now. You wouldn't even need both arms for that.

Raymond shook his head. “Fern…”

“I'm serious. We could walk from here to the mountains in such a short time. You are brilliant like this.” She spoke with such excitement, waving her arms around. She was unafraid and amazing like that.

Raymond chuckled, ducking his head away, “Thanks. For doing this.” He could actually feel his muscles relax, his panic began to fade, And slowly he began to shrink. He hardly even noticed it until he was eye to eye with Fern.

Raymond was not a boy anymore, but he sagged forward in relief against her shoulder.

Fern hugged him. “You are okay.”

“Fern…” Raymond started, his eyes closed, her arms holding him tightly, “I really, really like you. I think you are amazing. If I could, I would swipe you off your feet and… I don't know, marry you near the sea.” He spoke softly, with a big grin. It wasn't scary, because he was talking to his best friend. It wasn't scary, because she would love him no matter what. He loved her because she was who she was, and she took the time to hold him.

“Ray… I love you too.” Fern said sweetly, holding him back to look at his face. She kissed him on his two cheeks, so gentle and soft, “And one day you will! I mean, you carried me already, I am sure you will again.”

Raymond looked at her, relieved to have this weight off his shoulder. He finally slept peaceful that night.

[kaija-rayne-author]

Bear with me here. I only started playing DA games a couple months ago, so still a huge special interest for me.

Perspective is such an interesting part of these games, and I love how they juxtapose that against current events and characters' personal goals/needs.

Let's say you're the bodyguard of someone you really respect. You fail in your job to protect. You're doing your damnedest to save people who need to be free. You're a freedom fighter, because you care, deeply.

Your protectee is murdered, but you survived. I would imagine this would be something that could piss you off.

You imprison the perpetrators in the only way you can.

Then because it was such a big magical undertaking, you pass out and slip into uthenera for thousands of years.

You wake up, a bit groggy, find out how weak you are (which, to someone who has never been lessened in power is awful) possibly panic a little and fuck up.

You see you fucked up, while dealing with some pretty massive mental illness issues (PTSD, Depression, anxiety, survivor-complex) just for starters).

The entire world feels like a bad dream. Like it felt for people seeing the alternate future.

Humanity, a species you last remember as 'beings setting up tents in mud, selling bone beads, who stank a lot' have somehow flourished and enslaved the very people (or the descendants of your people?) you gave so much to free.

I don't see how, given that, at the beginning of the game Solas could honestly feel any different.

It'd be like waking up and finding out some sort of creature you thought of as vermin (sorry human lovers, perspective here) was running the world and harming your grandkids.

And worse, because of how you imprisoned the murderers, it actually tore the world you were trying to save apart, dooming said grandkids.

Except, familiarity can breed caring as well as contempt. He learns over time, as he's repairing his strength and healing his mind, that these 'tranquils' are still actually people. If romanced, you even fall in love with one of them!

Aaaand, you're probably also (originally) a wisdom spirit with any spirit's ability to demonize. Into Pride in his particular case.

It's a miracle he's not even more stand-offish with people.

Pride can blind us to a lot of things. In many established world religions, pride is bad. It's a deadly sin in xtian mythology.

And Solas is both wisdom and pride. Two sides of the same coin.

It's warped into his very being.

His character growth arc from who he is at the beginning of the game, to who he is at the end is so well written.

I hope Dreadwolf continues his growth arc in some way. I really love growth arcs. He might even have a redemption arc.

I think it's utterly delicious when authors play with perspective like this. It's really well done with Solas.

I only wish I felt more of the other characters were as well written so I could analyze them, too. But honestly, most of them really aren't well characterized. On a professional level, I'd send them back to the author with a gentle suggestion that they do some more character development & much needed writing for them.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Note that I base all my analyses on the base game and DLCs. I haven't managed to afford the books yet. (Being poor sucks.) So there could easily be information I don't have access to. And wasn't there a show? Was that any good? (I struggle with passive entertainment like tv shows.)

[zenaidamacrouras1]

15 questions for 15 friends

I got tagged by @voylitscope and @booksandabeer. Hello, I hope y'all are doing very well today.

Are you named after anyone? >>> Yes, my dad, being the third child, my parents thought this was amusing. I used to hate it (my relationship with my dad is COMPLICATED and my name is gender neutral, which as a more or less gender neutral adult, I like, but as a kid who felt really confused about gender, I did not).

I've grown into it. Our first and middle names are one letter different, but, fun fact, when I bought my house they spelled my name like his name on the deed and he briefly owned my house, I guess? I mean, I fixed the typo. I joked about it to the real estate agent people and they were like "your dad didn't actually own your house just because of this typo, you know that right?" and like yeah, I know, it's just funny.

When was the last time you cried? >>> I rarely cry, for whatever reason. I occasionally get a stoic, manful misting in my eyes or brief tightness in the back of my throat I have to swallow down while staring into the distance. It's probably not healthy, but I have bigger fish to fry. (and if I'm crying into my fish frying grease the tears will make the oil will pop everywhere, so we can't have that, this metaphor is getting confusing).

Do you have kids? >>> I do. I talk about them all the time because they are fun interesting people and also my pals.

What sports do you play/have you played? >>> My rebellion as a child was to not play sports, which I definitely regret, but I did do ballet for a long time, I was always a "back row" dancer e.g. the worst in the class but there's nothing wrong with spending a great deal of time doing something you're quite bad at. Anyway, I'm better at ballet than most people who never took lessons.

Do you use sarcasm? >>> No. (hahahahahahahahhhaaaa)

What’s the first thing you notice about people? >>> Ummm...vibes?

What’s your eye color? >>> Glowing red when I'm doing an evil spell, but otherwise blue.

Scary movies or happy endings comedies? >>> I almost never watch movies. What kind of movie is Lord of the Rings and The Winter Soldier? Those two, plus a few others.

Any talents? >>> I am good at making quick assessments and breaking down complex things into simple, easier to understand things, which, damn those ancient Greeks for always being right, is probably as much of a weakness as a strength. Also I have won a blue ribbon for quilting at a state fair which is very wholesome as I am a wholesome, stoic midwesterner.

Where were you born? >>> A very wholesome, stoic hospital in the rural midwest, surrounded by cornfields to the horizon.

What are your hobbies? >>> laying in bed and reading, walking places, sewing things, writing stuff, wishing everyone would leave me alone for ten damn minutes, feeling antsy when no one is bothering me.

Do you have any pets? >>> I just posted a picture of my cat. I didn't mention it there but she has bad eyesight and can't jump up to things, she often misses so just climbs everything or stays on the ground. It was great when she was an outside cat because she couldn't catch birds, though she would sometimes manage a snake and bring it in the house and leave it in the laundry basket.

How tall are you? >>> 5'11" but for what it's worth I'm the shortest person in my immediate family.

Favorite subject in school? >>> I really liked sociolinguistics classes in college. I liked art and biology and creative writing classes too. I like a lot of things. I like learning. I loved going to college. I'm a first generation college student and aside from the angst and bad attempts at romance and depression and anxiety and panic attacks, I really did feel lucky the whole time I was in college.

Dream job? >>> I need a job that helps people because I can only make myself do something boring if it I feel like I "owe" someone. I need a job that changes every few weeks so it is less boring. Both criteria I basically have, except I would like my current job to be less stressful and endlessly high stakes, except if it wasn't I would probably be bored, and also I would like fewer people that annoy me.

God I'm supposed to tag people now. What an absolute nightmare. Okay. I'm doing it. Don't hate me. @burberrycanary @msilverstar @bookgeekgrrl @fsbc-librarian @late-to-the-party-81 @blackwood4stucky @otpcutie

[squiddokiddo]

Hey there!

I know Gordon is your favourite but do you have any headcanons for the other brothers?

Yeah, I know I definitely have some but now I'm being asked about it I'm drawing a blank lol, here's a list of some.

𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹

Scott headcanons:

The only straight Tracy brother.

Likes cooking but doesn't get time to do it very often.

Scott's pancakes are the best.

Practically lives on black coffee and espresso shots.

As a kid, one of his dream jobs was a theme park ride tester. Others include aerial display pilot, airline pilot, falconer and a chocolate taster.

Virgil headcanons:

Demi-romantic Asexual.

One of only two people on the island who will eat marmite, the other is Grandma. (Parker also loves marmite, spread generously on toast)

Had a bit of an emo phase during his teens which later evolved into a grunge phase.

He can handle all sorts of gross things, being a medic and everything, but childbirth makes him a bit squeamish, a total of two people have unexpectedly fallen into labour during a rescue and delivering those babies was super challenging but very rewarding for him.

Virgil keeps all sorts of essential items for any rescuees he may have on board Thunderbird 2 including the obvious like, water, food and medical supplies but also: sanitary products, baby products, medicines for allergies, talcum powder and eczema cream, pet food and products, fidget and plush toys, ect.

Tried to eat pinecones as a toddler, Jeff and Lucy had to keep a close eye on him at Christmas because he'd try to shove their giant redwood pinecone decorations in his mouth. He grew out of his taste for pinecones when he was three.

Alan headcanons:

Bisexual

Gets god awful acne, as he's gotten older it's settled down a bit but he still gets pretty bad outbreaks from time to time.

Into 2000's and gen z culture, lucky for him his dad knows all about that. Unlucky for Grandma she remembers the trends Jeff was into when he was young.

Loves Vines and quotes them all the time with Gordon. His favourite Vines are probably the Freshavacadoo one and Hurricane Tortilla.

Dog person, has never really gotten along with cats despite still liking them. His favourite dog breed is a golden retriever.

Is an absolute legend at Mario Kart, John taught him how to play when they were kids.

John Headcanons:

Unlabeled/questioning - he isn't sure of his sexuality, it's not something he's too worried about right now though.

Has social anxiety, he copes very well with interacting with people at a distance like video calls and messaging but struggles a lot with face to face interactions.

Doesn't really play videogames that much but on the rare occasion that he does, he absolutely demolishes his competition whether that be on Mario Kart, Pokémon or Tetris.

Was into 80's and 90's video and arcade games as a kid, more for the fascination with programming and the machines' inner workings rather than the games themselves.

Hates ice skating, dealing with gravity is difficult enough without walking on a slippery surface with blades on his feet.

Can be the most sarcastic bitch if he's in a mood.

𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹*⊹.𖦹

[isfjmel-phleg]

Why I like it: Psmith in the City

After I read and enjoyed Mike and Psmith, I interlibrary-loaned the rest of the series and read them in rapid succession.

And honestly, my greatest appreciation for this book came during rereads and the need to overanalyze the text for annotations and conversations with a very longsuffering Allie.

Mike and Psmith's friendship comes about in the first book, and we get to see how much Psmith is willing to sacrifice for his friend, but their connection really comes to the forefront during Psmith in the City.

There's something delightfully escapist about these two friends rooming in Psmith's luxurious flat, braving the drudgeries of their shared misfortune of working at the bank by day, and living it up in Edwardian London by night. It's a setting that feels very real--and it was! Wodehouse peppers the narrative with real locations, and when I was in London, I was able, using this information, to take a little private walking tour of Psmith's part of town and experience it. Even with the reality of the locations, though, there's a certain glamorization. Thanks to Psmith's father's money, the boys are able to afford an experience of young adulthood and a first job that isn't available to most people, either then or now. And perhaps there's some glamorization of the friendship too.

Because it isn't easy to be Psmith's friend, and this starts to be evident. Psmith is a jerk in a lot of ways in this book, more so than in the others--even in his interactions with Mike. But these moments are easily brushed aside, and the friendship never really suffers. This is a Wodehouse novel, so we can be confident that when things get really bad, Psmith will come through as the good friend that he really is, and he'll find a way to save the day for Mike. The worst of his behavior vanishes by the last part of the book, never to be seen again in how he treats his best friend. Not especially realistic, but it is compelling. A real-life Psmith would be absolutely dreadful to put up with; the page, however, allows us a distance that assures us that despite it all, his intentions are good and he himself is good at heart.

And on the whole, he is. We know this because he really does care about Mike, because he's capable of dropping the flippant mask to show compassion when the situation requires. He's just...a complicated mess here. He's under a lot of stress that he hides most of the time. He's angry at his father and taking that out on his awful boss. He's an arrogant rich kid with more money than is good for him. He has one (1) and only one friend whom he's clinging to like the only thing keeping him afloat in life. (Psmith's got attachment issues, I'm starting to realize. That may be another post.) He's a very complex character, not just the comic relief or the trickster archetype, and because of that, he goes beyond hilarity to being interesting, even if he's not always easy to like.

Mike is still the everyman, perhaps even more so because his story is such a relatable portrait of what it's like to be eighteen, fresh out of school, and having to take on for the first time an adult world that you're unequipped for. Mike's classical education and cricket skills aren't particularly useful now that he has to make a living. The former class clown and jock is now an awkward mess of social anxiety. Wodehouse pokes as much fun at Mike as he does anyone else in the story, but he also takes Mike's struggles and pain seriously--because much of it was probably his own. Mike's grief at losing the glorious future he was promised, his increasing frustration and despair at being trapped in a dead-end job that stifles his talents and personality--they're very real, and poignant.

Mike and Psmith may inhabit a glittering dream world in their version of London and maintain a desirably close friendship that would have probably fallen apart eventually if it existed in the real world. Their shenanigans are sheer comedy with no grounding in reality. But the heart of the story is two eighteen-year-olds on their own in the adult world for the first time, with no support system but each other, trying to figure out life and often failing--and this is what makes the story resonate, because we've all been there.

And sure, their ending is a fairy tale, down to the final lines in which Mike imagines his future as pretty much perfect from now on (which will not turn out to be the case!), but...well, when you're a twenty-something in your first non-college job, taking the bus, feeling incompetent, dealing with difficult coworkers...a fairy-tale ending alongside a true friend is pretty appealing.

[sgcairo]

Hey

What if Anastasiy had a really bad nightmare and his baba pantalone is out there somewhere for a job?

Oh, my friend... You're opening the Pandora's box of ideas here, don't even get me started on how terrible the poor baby would feel.

Anastasiy already suffers from a lot of separation anxiety, but having nightmares while Pantalone is away and having no one but Dottore and Irnes to comfort him? It would be a living hell for everyone, not just the segments.

While Danya is usually a pretty quiet crier, and tends to keep to himself while he's feeling down- nightmares are a whole other monster, and he continues to struggle with them even later in life. Climbing into bed and snuggling up to Pantalone calms him down most of the time, and he can go back to sleep in a few minutes. But being alone in a scary room, and running into the arms of someone with the same face and eyes that give you night terrors? That's not great, probably worse than the dreams themselves.

The first few nights are terrible. Danya barely sleeps, and Dottore can't do much to comfort him. He tries holding Danya in his arms, reading him a story, singing him a lullaby- hell, he even lets Tartaglia try his hand at soothing the boy, but nothing works. The other Harbingers have reached the point of genuine concern, Anastasiy's face has become seriously raw from all the crying. Some are beginning to suggest calling Pantalone back early from his negotiations, or perhaps even shipping the boy out to him.

This continues for several days, and Danya is at the point of misery. Dottore is trying, really trying to help, but he's not exactly good at comfort. The poor boy can't sleep, which is only making his mood worse, and by extension has Anastasiy randomly crying in the middle of the day because of small things. Dropped one of his plushies off the bed? Instant tears. It takes him a whole hour to calm down. His clothes are itchy? He bawls in his room for a while until Dottore finally catches on and pulls him out from under the desk.

Things are looking desperate until Irnes comes up with a genius idea. They technically have another "Pantalone" in the palace. Perhaps the physical and psychological trickery might just work!

In the end, giving him to Earl actually manages to calm him down, even if Pantalone's clone is quite unsettling to look at. Danya relaxes instantly as soon as he's placed in Earl's arms, and falls asleep in record time. While his rest is still fitful, he's finally able to sleep for more than a few hours at a time, which he desperately needs.

Dottore is... upset, knowing that he couldn't do anything to help his own son, but he's very careful to not let it show. He needs to keep his facade of not caring up, and showing that he's disappointed and upset with himself is not the best method for maintaining that indifference. He can't let himself be affected, no, especially not by the fact that one of his own clones, an inferior version of himself, is more comforting than he could ever be.

By the time Pantalone does get back, Danya is still having small fits of not being able to sleep, Earl can only replace Pantalone for so long. Pantalone arrives home to find a grumpy and tired Danya and a brooding Dottore, both of which desperately need sleep, which he remedies by pulling them both into bed. Anastasiy is out in a second, finally able to comfortably sleep squished between the two, but Dottore is clearly angry about something, as he won't look Pantalone in the eye.

"Are you really going to ignore me all night, Doctor?"

"Mhm."

"You really are a dramatic bastard. How foolish of me to forget."

"...Shut up. At least the kid likes you."

Oh, so that's what this is about.

"That has nothing to do with the conversation, dearest Doctor. However, I can't say that I'm not intrigued. Please do enlighten me."

"He likes you more than me. What else is there to say? He cried the whole time you were gone, and doesn't even bat an eye when I leave."

"Dottore..."

"Don't 'Dottore' me. He's made it clear who he prefers."

"Yes, but-"

"Just shut up, Regrator. I'm going to sleep."

Of course Dottore is bitter and straight to the point. He's always been, it's a part of his nature.

Pantalone doesn't speak again, at least not that night.

He has a lot to consider.

[casspurrjoybell-26]

💖Sweet Revenge💖 - Chapter 15

*Warning Adult Content*

Aaron Keene

I leave Blake in the diner and walk back to my apartment.

The way he'd looked at me as I told him my story had hurt.

It wasn't pity I'd seen in his eyes though.

It was exactly what I'd wanted to see... pain, remorse, understanding and... if I dare be honest... maybe love.

I was in a lot of danger of feeling something similar.

Blake in high school had stomped on my heart.

Now it seemed like he was throwing his own at my feet.

I don't want that kind of power and it scares me a little to realize I have it over him.

So instead of think about it like an adult, I throw myself into my work, heart and soul and do my best to ignore the fact that every time I gave them a chance, my thoughts turn straight to Blake.

When he smiles and waves from across the street, my heart beats a little faster and I have to turn away quickly to keep my feet from carrying me right to him.

When I hear his voice from the front of the shop, chatting with Kate, I picture his crooked smile and hazel eyes and my batch of brittle burns and at night, when I lay in my narrow bed, all I have to do is imagine that it's his hand on me and I'm done.

Three days before Valentine's Day and my shop is stocked to the brim, my entry for the tri-state chocolate competition is finished 'a dark chocolate truffle with candied orange peel and a bourbon flavored center' and I'm exhausted.

She has a point.

Fortunately, she looks good enough for both of us.

She's taken to wearing outfits that look like they're inspired by someone's dirty dreams of Japanese schoolgirls and I think about half the male clientele are repeat customers because of it.

"It's cosplay, Aaron," she tells me when I complain that blue hair extensions and tiny skirts are not appropriate work attire.

"Haven't you heard of Sailor Moon? People love this shit. Lighten up and take a God-damn break, will you?"

I try but there's a Blake-sized weight on my heart and the only thing that takes my mind off it is more work.

Finally, the day before Valentine's Day, I've had enough.

Ignoring my feelings isn't working and I decide that the only thing that's fair to both myself and Blake is to tell him the truth.

After all these years, after everything that happened and all that I've been through since, some things haven't changed... even when I'd hated him the most, he was still the boy who saved me that day on the field, still my gold-skinned crush, still my high school hero and I still want him.

The very idea of admitting as much makes my hands tingle with anxiety, even though I think that this time he wants me just as much.

~♡~

Mid-afternoon is one of the quietest times for business during the workweek.

People are still at their jobs or picking kids up from school, so both Sweet Revenge and Ardent Cycles are almost empty.

I leave Kate in charge of the shop and cross the street to Blake's store.

He's busy on his cell-phone when I enter but he looks up and I wave before turning and pretending to examine the bikes.

"Yes... yes, I'm sure," Blake says.

"Is there a problem?" he sounds a little strained and I wonder if maybe I've come at a bad time. I decide to wait around anyway.

It would be weird to have come over and then leave without even saying hello.

"Why now? The business is doing well. It's off to a great start. I don't understand," Blake is saying into his phone.

He's looking down, leaning against the counter and scowling at the ground.

"Listen, can't we discuss this in person?"

There's a pause and I notice that Blake's whole body looks tense.

"Fine. I'll be there in an hour. No. There's no need for that. Yes. Thank you."

Blake ends the call and then swears, slamming his phone down on the counter hard enough I think he's probably lucky it's in one of those heavy-duty cases.

"Is everything okay?" I ask, coming over.

He heaves a breath and runs his hand through his streaky blond hair.

"No. Not really. What can I do for you?"

"Um..." baring your heart when the other person looks stressed to the point of breaking is usually a bad idea, so I stall.

"I was wondering if we could talk... that is, if you have time."

"Actually, I don't," he says shortly.

"I have more important things to deal with right now than your hang-ups from the past, Aaron... like my fucking future."

"Oh," I swallow and take a step back.

"Okay then."

I start to leave and he calls out and comes around the counter.

"Aaron, wait... I didn't mean that... I'm sorry."

"No," I say.

"It's okay. I can tell you're upset about something. I'll come back... some other time."

He pauses and then laughs... it's a sound with a bitter edge.

"Well don't take too long this time. I might not be here when you finally make up your damn mind."

I stare at him.

This is not at all how I pictured this conversation going.

Once again, it feels like Blake is taking what I have to offer and dropping it on the floor.

A look of pain crosses his face that seems to mirror what I'm feeling but that I know my own face doesn't show.

He runs his hands through his hair.

"I'm sorry. I have to go."

"Yeah. Me too," I say and make my exit.

Blake hasn't hired any help yet, so he has to close the store.

I watch from my side of the street as he puts a sign in the window, locks up and drives off in his newly repaired truck.

When or if, we speak again, he has some explaining to do.

The rest of the day passes in a sort of blue haze and by evening, my mind is so tired from over-thinking everything from my latest recipe to Blake's unhappy expression, that it's caught on a loop like a broken record.

I don't like to but I decide to take one of the pills my doctor gave me the last time I complained of insomnia.

One way or another, Kate is right.

I need a rest and a good night's sleep... chemically assisted or not... seems like the best way to get one.

[toads-treasures]

Fifteen questions for fifteen mutuals!

(It will probably not be fifteen I am too scared to tag too many people)

I was tagged by @galaxycunt weeks ago, and I finally got around to answering.

Tagging @hereforthehaunts @cactme @plasticdodecagon @iwanttobecomeavoid @mars-colony no pressure tho!

Also, feel free to skip any questions you don’t wanna answer.

1. Are you named after anyone?

My great grandpa Tora. But he went by Tory. He was apparently a grumpy ol sonofabitch according to my dad, but it was also his idea to name me after him so 🤷‍♀️

2. When was the last time you cried?

Prolly like two days ago but I don’t know for sure for sure. I cry all the time. I think this time I was crying in frustration at packing for my last camping trip lol

3. Do you have kids?

Nope, and I don’t know if I want any tbh. It would really cut into my time of being the Weird/Fun Aunt who lets my nieces and nephews stay up too late and helps them dye their hair

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Not nearly as much as I did when I was younger. We call that Growth 😌 but sometimes I can’t help myself

5. What sports do you play/have you played?

Ha. I am so uncoordinated I don’t play any sports. I played tennis for one year in high school and hated it. I’ve gone rock climbing once and really enjoyed it even though I was scared shitless, so I’d really like to get back into that. I’ve also been kind of wanting to play tennis again just for funsies with my husband and not actually pay attention to any rules or anything and just have fun.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about other people?

I think height? Because I’m pretty tall and if someone is taller than I am I definitely notice

7. Eye color?

Hazel is the least pretentious way to describe it. Or green…ish.

8. Scary movie or happy endings?

Why not both? I will say I like things to end happily, because I need to have some semblance of hope in the world lol, but also bittersweet endings will stick with me for the rest of my life.

9. Any special talents?

I am freaky good with names and faces. I will remember people who I had one college class with but never actually personally interacted with them. I can also like, trifold my tongue so it looks like a clover.

10. Where were you born?

Ha nice try fbi. Just kidding, it’s just a small town (like, less than a thousand people) in southern Utah and I highly doubt anyone would know the name or where it was, but if perchance they do, it probably means I know them in real life and I’d rather not risk it.

11. Free space

Ummmmm I love hiking and camping, and I’d love to get into photography and videography to be like a nature photographer, I think that would be cool. But I’m also Very Bad at taking pictures. I always forget to take them, or I frame it really bad or the lighting is really bad, I’ve got a lot to learn with that hobby lol. Also I wish I could just wear my crunchy/granolaey/outfits all the time business casual my absolute beloathed

12. Do you have any pets?

No 😔 I want one, either a cat or a dog, but honestly I have so much anxiety around it because there’s this CREATURE in my HOUSE and it needs me to live! And what if it eats my plants and what if my plants are toxic and what if it chews a hole in the floor or the door and we get kicked out and and and (you get the idea).

13. How tall are you?

5’10” 😎 my husband insists I’m 5’9” but he’s wrong

14. Favorite subject in school?

I’m still recovering from the god complex that being in English class gave me so, we’ll leave it at that.

15. Dream job?

I do not dream of labor, but I have a few ideas of what would be preferable than being a receptionist for the rest of my life lol. I’d like to open an online sticker/print shop and just draw and design cute silly stationary and stickers. I’ve also always dreamed of being an author, but seeing as how I can’t finish any of my wips that will probably remain a dream lol.

[mari-m-rose]

Life update (?)

Hi! It's been a while since I did one of these. I still remember about how writing these would make me feel better, whether they were read by someone or not. Still, thank you in advance to whomever reads this, I appreciate your care/curiosity towards me. Wishing you happiness and success from the bottom of my heart. So, what has been going on with me.

So many things it's overwhelming. Everyday is. Especially when I remember all that has happened in the past few years. Probably because it's been hard to process? Both the good and the bad, all it's hard to process. Not like I process stuff easily, the opposite in fact. Tbh I don't even remember much of what I did during 2019... was I still active here during 2018? Bearly right? I think I got a new job in 2019 which was a cool job, or so I used to think... I remember the beginning of 2020 because I was so fucking happy in January-February during 2020. I was enjoying myself at work, I had a stable relationship with my partner as usual, I was engaged and about to get my own apartment. I was excited about my life which is something that never happens to me xD. And well, before covxd happened I actually got hit by a car... It was at low speed but it still wasn't nice. Listen, never do what I did. If you get hit by a car and you realize you can walk, do not go straight to work by scooter. Actually report the person who did it, call in sick, go to the hospital. Try not to shut down and just go to work normally. Short story: by lunch I couldn't stand up from my seat. I actually almost cried when I had to at the end of the day to go home because it hurt like a bxtch. I sort of healed? Actually it has been 3 years and I still feel something in my leg ahaha. Never be like me, love yourself. Covxd exploded not much after I "healed" and it ruined all my plans. No wedding, no apartment, I actually had to quit my job cause my bosses got so toxic I got depressed like never before. I was now trapped more than ever at my parents' house and the hope of leaving it soon was almost non-existant. I know it was hard for everyone and I hope that you all ended up surviving it just fine. Thankfully on my end everyone survived even tho my dad was always at risk cause he was forced to go to work despite it all. Since I didn't go through any tragic event, I am fortunate enough to appreciate that at least I spent a lot of time with my parents and cat, very important since I wanted to leave the house the next year. I got married in 2021 even tho covxd was still around, risking it all. Naturally it was a small event because of it. I actually just wanted to move out. My parents are very old-fashioned and they were not gonna be happy, so to say, if I left before marriage. Thankfully my husband did want to marry me so it worked out, but was it stressing... I just suck at events like that but yeah I finally got married and moved out. And the most amazing time of my whole life began. It was honestly magical. I was so happy I felt like I was living an actual dream. The moments in my life at that time felt eternal in a good way, there was warmth and love, pure happiness. I didn't know life could be like that. My relationship with my family fixed really quick after I moved out. Now we get along fine and I'm very thankful I get to experience this before I imminently lose my parents to time. I'm a very fortunate person. But this happiness soon ended cause I'm...dummy? I'm mentally ill and I'm not used to being happy. So I started to get massive anxiety about some upcoming event ruining all my life. I still dread this, even tho it doesn't arrive yet. Something bad actually happened tho... I lost my cat in 2022. I...probably will never not miss her, she was the one who kept me sane at home for 16 years. My most beloved baby...I just hope she's around somewhere. Uhm let's try not to cry while I write this... Btw did I mention I'm still unemployed and very ashamed of it? I do housewifey things, I do help with family business and have commissions from time to time but most of the time I'm not that active. That also is eating me alive. My husband is very chill about it but I'm not happy with myself, tho I can feel like little by little I want to change this, ...I wish I wasn't that stressed about the idea of still working in graphic design. What happened in my past job was a bit like my last bit of energy for it...

I really want to like open a patreon or a youtube channel idk, I always say this but its hard to start.. Aside this anxiety I'm also currently without passion...without fandom, without OTP, without a spark that motivates me to draw. It has been annoying cause this is happening since like 3 years ago. I hate this fr. Being without an art community has been hard but you know what? Being in one was also hard. I had major fall offs with a lot of my friends. We either fought a lot and took our distances or were involved in disgusting drama, others really mistreated me till the point I ended up feeling I didn't want to make new friends ever again. I isolated myself, this ofc didn't help my "art block" or mental health. Now at 32 yo, how am I supposed to like engage in a fandom or art community? I geniuinly don't know how. Also it's full of kiddies. No offense towards you babies but, I'm a grown ass lady. I feel so much like I don't belong...BUT I still want to belong. Not with the teens ofc but.... is there any discord server for old ladies like me? If there's a quiet place for "art grandmas" xD, hit me up. I am opened up to hang out but also ngl, I'm so awkward. New discord server I join is like another one I will never speak in. Idk what to do tbh. I just want to be excited about a fandom or art again. Anyways thanks for reading this text about me. I hope you are doing fine. I also hope you enjoy my art, even tho I hardly update, I'm trying to do my best. I'm most active on instagram (mari_m_rose) and X (aka former twitter, same as ig). I still love sinja and remain somewhat knowledgable about Magi. So if u wanna send asks about anything related to those or myself, I will be happy to answer! Hugs and kissus.

[ilyasorokinn]

misc. masterlist, part 2 (western conference)

this masterlist is basically just blurbs, and maybe some fics, that i'm not proud of (but don't want to delete) or players i no longer write for. just because they are on this list doesn't mean i don't write for them. this list will probably grow as time goes on, i don't know.

key: name = do write for currently name = no longer write for *= from a prompt list

arizona coyotes,

✷ 3+1 (travis dermott) - y/n tells travis some very exciting news.

colorado avalanche,

✷ cute babies (bowen byram) - y/n tells bowen they make cute babies and wants to have another one.

✷ post-roadie cuddles (ross colton) - ross comes home after a roadie and all he wants is to cuddle. *

✷ hair transformations (cale makar) - y/n and cale have a youtube channel together, and y/n surprises scale with a hair transformation.

chicago blackhawks,

✷ make it better (anthony beauvillier) - Anthony had caught word that y/n has a bad day, so being the good boyfriend he is, he takes care of her and helps turn her bad day into a semi-good one. *

dallas stars,

✷ bubs the pup (roope hintz) - y/n finds a dog and brings it home with her.

✷ beach braids (roope hintz) - y/n and roope braid each other's hair on the beach. *

✷ wired autocomplete interview (tyler seguin) - y/n and tyler do a wired autocomplete interview.

✷ couples account (tyler seguin) - y/n and tyler pull tiktok pranks on each other (and the dogs).

✷ slow swayin' in the kitchen (tyler seguin) - the only rosie can fall asleep is if someone is holding her and swaying. *

edmonton oilers,

✷ an old married couple (dylan halloway) - y/n and dylan are kind of like the old married couple of their friend group, so everyone always goes to them for advice. *

los angeles kings,

✷ cuddle (erik portillo) - movie nights are erik's favorite. why? cuddling.

✷ there for him (erik portillo) - y/n's there for erik after the loss.

✷ safe in these arms (alex turcotte) - alex had a pretty bad day, but knows the second you wrap your arms around him, he'll be okay. *

✷ proud of you (alex turcotte) - y/n and alex are talking about their future, and talking about how proud they are of each other. *

minnesota wild,

✷ hat trick (matt boldy) - y/n's with matt when he scores his first hat trick.

✷ matt boldy's imfamous cheese quesadillas (matt boldy) - y/n has a bad day, so matt makes her his world-famous dish. *

✷ sweet dreams (matt boldy) - matt wakes up after a bad dream. luckily y/n's there to help him fall back asleep.

✷ kirill night (kirill kaprizov) - after. aloss, y/n spends the night comforting kirill. *

nashville predators,

✷ new job - (juuse saros) y/n works with kids, so she gets sick at least once a year, but luckily juuse’s always there to take care of her. *

st. louis blues,

✷ time to go (colton parayko) - colton drags y/ out after a long day of work where they fall alseep, mid party. *

vancouver canucks,

✷ job opportunities (brock boeser) - y/n gets a call, while hanging out with family, that she got the job she wanted. *

✷ daddy's girl (conor garland) - stella garland is a daddy's girl, especially when she gets hurt.

vegas golden knights,

✷ red, taylor's version (brendan brisson) - y/n finds out brendan is (secretly) a swiftie.

✷ post college anxiety (brendaon brisson) - y/n's been getting lots of job opportunities for after school, and brendan's getting stressed.

misc. players,

✷ britney and the astronaut (ethan edwards) - y/n and ethan's halloween costume is iconic.

✷ proud of you (ethan edwards) - y/n is there for than after the loss.

✷ sore (mark estapa) - after a hard game, mark's sore everywhere, so y/n gives him a massage.

✷ looking a little low (mark estapa) - mark comes back from the bathroom to see a guy getting a little too close.

✷ root beer floats (jimmy lambert) - y/n has a tradition of whenever she watches harry potter, she makes root beer floats. jimmy knows this, and ditches the guys to join her.

[bonesandthebees]

Then there’s Tommy. I’m going to assume the nightmare was a past near-death experience. I’m sure he has lots of trauma. It’s also very telling about Wikbur as a person that he gets annoyed that a nightmare has more effect than anything he does, so he starts being annoying, but the second he learns it’s a nightmare, he backs off. It’s just clear he has his own weird slightly fuck value system he operates by. He will try to get on Tommy’s nerves when he’s in a bad mood, but the second he get a, by his standards, valid reason as to why Tommy is upset, he quits.

Then there’s also the idea that Wilbur’s visions give him anxiety and panic attacks. It’a the pressure of his role as Pythia. It’s having to interpret them correctly and hope Schlatt listen. The visions themselves are probably overwhelming too if they are just flashes. Like the first vision was very disorienting with people screaming. And if Schlatt asked if he saw people die in the vision, then maybe that’s something that happened before. Then tnere’s also the fact that his normal dreams can be nightmares too. Boy has trauma. Boy also has no parents and lived on the streets for a bit. Cause of trauma? Possibly.

Anyway, I think that Tommy can tell that Wilbur isn’t a bad person. Sure he can be mean and he says dumb or hurtful things, he tries to be purposefully annoying, but Tommy has seen how scares he was at the idea of having to face the Deathlings. I don’t think that’s something he’ll easily forget. Tommy has seen the most of Wilbur’a vulnerability without trying to force it out of him like Niki accidentally did.

Tommy also saw Wilbur’s reaction to choking him, which I feel like the moment they learned Tommy was hurt, the other Deathlings stopped paying attention to Wilbur or his reactions. Last chapter I said that they treat him like a human being, I was kinda wrong, they treat him more like a human than he’s used to, but still not like they treat each other. I feel like they did try, but the second they nave one bad conversation why him they start writing him off.

That’s not entirely their fault, Wilbur is so used to being dehumanized and so stuck in dehumanizing himself that some of it must care over. He doesn’t have a name or a story to them. They’ve never seen his eyes either and he’s being a prick. It’s easier to write him off as the Pythia and try not to think to much about him than it is to try and see things form his perspective when he’s giving them nothing to work with. Like you said, they planned to steal a religious symbol and now they are stuck with a pisses and very traumatised human being and they have no idewhat to do with him.

I feel like the idea that he would try to escape hasn’t even crossed their mind if no one was guarding the door. They just let him roam free a d maybe expected him to get used to it. I don’t think he’ll get to roam free anymore. Which is what he wanted right? To be treated as a prisoner? Anyway, everyone's reactions will be interesting. I’m also interested to see how the Deathlomhs deal with new near-death experiences and how big of a deal it will be. One thing is certain, Tommy could guilt trip the fuck out of Wilbur, but is he going to? (also, is he petty enough to get a tattoo of Wilbur’s face?)

(3/3)

-🌲

oh yeah glass!tommy has a lot of trauma :)

wilbur might be a petty bitch, but he's not a cruel person. he knows what nightmares are like, and he sympathizes with tommy when he hears that's what kept him up all night. he backs off because he knows what it's like to be in tommy's shoes.

ohhh yeah the visions can be extremely overwhelming, and there's also so much pressure on him to make sure he interprets it correctly. poor boy has been having panic attacks about his visions since he first got the job as pythia. he's also seen people die plenty of times in his visions. it's not a pretty sight. he definitely has trauma from multiple sources

tommy understands wilbur better than any other deathling in the temple. that's just because he's seen more sides of him than anyone else. including wilbur's reaction to choking him, which wasn't anything malicious or cruel, but instead pure fear and panic. also, he apologized before running off. tommy will remember that a la telltale and all that

even though the Deathlings respect him more than the palace did, they still saw him as a tool first and foremost. his entire position as pythia is designed to dehumanize him. they can't see his eyes, and he doesn't act like a normal person because he hasn't been treated like one in 10+ years. this definitely affects how the Deathlings view and treat him

okay clarification, he wasn't allowed to free roam. he had to trick tommy to get out of his room in the first place. he was only allowed outside of his room if he had tommy with him, because tommy was his prison guard. sure, they had no one guarding the big door to the main entrance of the temple, but that's because it's a huge door with a giant lock on it. he wouldn't have been able to get out even if he got to it in time.

guess we'll have to wait and see how tommy reacts to his new near death experience